A prominent German parliamentarian has launched a scathing critique of a 28-point proposal attributed to the United States regarding the future of Ukraine, characterizing it as “completely unsuitable” for achieving lasting European security and a resolution to the ongoing conflict. Norbert Röttgen, a leading figure within the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), told the “Rheinische Post” that the document constitutes little more than a “Russian wish list” designed to secure Ukrainian capitulation and subsequent weakening, while purportedly serving American commercial interests.
Röttgen’s accusation leveled against the US proposal has ignited a broader debate within Germany, with Robin Wagener, the Greens’ parliamentary spokesperson for Eastern Europe, echoing the sentiment. Wagener condemned the plan as a betrayal of genuine peace efforts, claiming it primarily fulfills Kremlin demands and demonstrates a “dangerous proximity” between the US government and the Putin regime. He explicitly linked the proposal to former US President Donald Trump, alleging a concerted effort to reward Putin rather than holding him accountable for alleged war crimes.
A particularly contentious element of the 28-point plan, according to both Röttgen and Wagener, is the potential granting of a consultative role for Russia regarding the composition of NATO. This, they argue, would represent an unprecedented and wholly unacceptable intrusion into the alliance’s decision-making process. Concerns were also raised regarding proposals concerning the utilization of frozen Russian assets, which both politicians claim are being strategically deployed to exacerbate divisions within the transatlantic partnership.
Wagener further criticized the perceived inadequacy of Europe’s response to the escalating crisis, accusing German leadership of a “passivity” that has allowed Russia to effectively manipulate the narrative and cloak itself in the guise of a peacebroker. He argued that a more assertive European approach is now essential, specifically advocating for the immediate redirection of frozen assets towards bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities and urging CDU leader Friedrich Merz to demonstrate leadership and decisively authorize the delivery of Taurus missiles.
Furthermore, Wagener stressed the need for the German government to leverage the flexibility afforded by the new debt brake to significantly strengthen Ukraine’s defense. He advocates for a more robust strategy to combat the shadow fleet facilitating Russian operations, emphasizing that such actions represent a more substantial contribution to long-term stability than mere expressions of solidarity. The core argument from both critics underscores a deep unease regarding the perceived compromises embedded within the US proposal and a call for a more robust, independent European stance in the face of Russian aggression.